Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School East Warrnambool eNewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Today we acknowledge and pay our respects to the First Peoples, the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways and thank them for their continued hospitality.

We acknowledge and celebrate the continuation of a living culture who have lived with Creator God through creation of land, sea, waterways and life.

Prayer

Light Dirt

Today’s reflection is a poem called “Light Dirt” by Marlene Marburg. May this Lent be a time for you to discover your own “light dirt” allowing it to transform your life, others and all creation.

You are in the right dirt if it is light dirt;
if you feel earthed, grounded, and you are steady;
if the dirt is sacred and you are thankful
that you have the privilege of being there;
walking that, treading your path at your pace,
using your skill, your talents;
and your life feels bigger and richer,
spacious and free. You are consoled
with God as your companion, sustainer enabler,
and you can look in the eyes of the people you meet
to find Christ there, blessing you
with more blessing than you are giving.
You are in the right dirt if it is light dirt
and you are happy to take off your shoes,
and feel the touch of your earth-work
with nothing between you and God’s desire;
finding something joyous about the mud or the sand,
something life-giving, energising.
You know you are in your right dirt when you are free
to say you are tired, that you need a break,
and that although you are skilled and good at your work,
too much of it turns you from God instead of to God;
You are in the right dirt when you discover the place within
where you are already kind, compassionate and balanced.
You know you're in the right dirt when your heart beats
in union with God, in communion with all.

Leadership & Stewardship

Principal's Message

Dear members of the OLHC school community,

NAPLAN 2024

The NAPLAN testing window opened this week from Wednesday 13th March to Monday 25th March. Over this time our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Numeracy tests. All of the tests take place online via computers except for the Year 3 Writing test which is handwritten using pen and paper.

The information gained from these tests is used by our school to help us identify priorities for our school improvement plan. We also use it along with our school based assessments to help identify the next areas of learning for children and cohorts. I wish to thank Sarah Murfett and Peta Bourke for setting up the technology to conduct these and the grade 3 and 5 teachers for invigilating these assessments in such a professional and supportive manner.

School Happenings

Although this was a 4 day week we managed to squeeze a number of events into our lives at OLHC. The grade 6 team invited parents and carers up for a shared lunch and maths games on Wednesday. We had a great turn out and this engagement is something we are actively looking to create.

In addition to this, Katie Colla and Ava Bishop kickstarted our Hands on Learning sessions with a makeover of the garden beds. This was then supported by the gardening club at lunchtime, supervised by Mrs Ross. I am indebted to these staff for ensuring these extra programs run for our children.

This week we also interviewed to fill a vacant LSO (Learning Support Officer) position. These were conducted on Thursday and we certainly had a strong field to choose from. We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Mabon on board and we look forward to working with Jennifer at OLHC.

Next week I am attending the biannual VACPSP Victorian Catholic Primary School Principal conference in Lorne from 19th-22nd. Not ideal timing, but unavoidable. This is one of the few professional development opportunities Principals get and the beauty of this conference is that often the topics are not always Educational based. While that may sound counterproductive, they are aimed at individuals who are passionate, inspiring and committed to their work. I have embedded a link if you are interested in seeing who is presenting at the program.

Japan Trip Cancelled

The Warrnambool & District Network of Catholic Schools met last week and unfortunately have decided to cancel the 2024 Japan Trip for students. Principals have met to make a final decision about the trip, and have concluded that it is not viable, given the low uptake of students wishing to attend. This is very disappointing for those students and families who had made the commitment and would no doubt have been excited about the trip. It is anticipated that we will try again in 2025, and hopefully see a large contingent interested in this terrific trip. We appreciate the interest that students and families have shown in the Japan Trip.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Funds (CSEF) Applications for 2024

Please note there has been a government increase for those families that have qualified for the CSEF 2024.

On the 2024 school fee schedule, a valid concession was advertised as $125.00 per student. This amount has increased to $150.00 per student.

If you have handed in your 2024 application no further action is required. Otherwise please complete the below form & send in a copy of your concession card no later than 25th April, 2024

This is a timely reminder for families to fill this form out if you have a valid concession card.

CSEF_application_form_

Important Dates

Term 1

18th - 20th March - NAPLAN

Tuesday 19th March - Yr 6 Reconciliation Celebration

Thursday 21st March - Colour Fun Run

Friday 22nd March - NO SCHOOL - Staff PD

Friday 22nd March - Regional Swimming Comp - Horsham

Monday 25th March - Secondhand Uniform Sale

Thursday 28th March - Last day of term 1 - finish @ 2.30pm

Friday 29th March - Good Friday

Sunday 31st March - Easter Sunday

Term 2

Wednesday 17th April - District Athletics

18th & 19th April - Yr 3 Camp

Friday 19th April - State Swimming Comp Melbourne

Thursday 25th April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Friday 26th April - Student Free Day

Thursday 2nd May - May Race Day Holiday

Teaching & Learning @ OLHC

A Message from Mr A

Week 7 Term 1

COLOUR FUN RUN

Only a week to go to our biggest fundraiser for the year, the Colour Fun Run. This is a great community event and the fundraising goes towards a Senior playground. Lots of work happening behind the scenes on this one, it would be great to see as many of our families there to celebrate the night. I must admit, it was an enjoyable afternoon watching our Principal, Mr Madden get slimed alongside Mr Jongebloed.

GRADE 6 SHARED LUNCH

Another successful shared lunch experience on Wednesday, with our Grade 6 level welcoming parents in for some toasties and an opportunity for them to share some of the strategies they have been using solving place value problems. We love these shared lunches as they connect the parents to their child’s learning and allows them to form social relationships with others. Well done grade 4 team!

NAPLAN

Our Grade 3 and 5 cohort are halfway through the NAPLAN schedule, completing their Writing and Reading assessments this week. Some students present with test anxiety, however, these assessments are an everyday part of a child’s education and our message is purely for them to do their best. Parents will receive an individual report of how their child went later on in the year.

GRADE 4 CAMP- SOVEREIGN HILL

Another successful school camp this week with our Grade 4 level returning safely on Wednesday. It seemed like a tall ask coming off the back of a long (and hot) weekend, but the students overall were enthusiastic and engaged in the way they interacted with the camp activities. The students completed two mine tours, an educational session and plenty of free time to explore the different exhibits. They were treated to the Wonka movie on Tuesday night and the food was great over the two days. Well done to the Grade 4 level for executing a successful camp and thanks to Melissa, Eva and Jaz for supporting us over the two days.

Have a great weekend with your family.

Thanks,

Naish

Faith & Culture

Parish Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday

P: 5562 2231

E: southwestcoast@ballarat.catholic.org.au

Grade 6 Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Tuesday 19th March @ 7pm

Project Compassion - Lent

Seeing Jesus
(John 12: 20 - 33)

It was a simple request. Some strangers in town wanted to see Jesus, and they approached Philip with the hope of getting an audience with the famous rabbi. What did they expect to see? Did they just want the first-century equivalent of an autograph? Or did they want a life-transforming encounter with a holy man?

When Jesus is told of their request, his response is rather mysterious. What does it mean that Jesus is about to be glorified? Jesus proposes that the only route to seeing him is to travel the road he’s about to take: dying and rising. If we lose our lives, die to ourselves, and follow him in service, then we’ll see who Jesus is. Otherwise, we’re only clutching his garments and missing the Son of Man entirely.

Many of us know Jesus from hearsay, like the strangers did. We’ve seen his picture, read his story, and can quote a few memorable lines. But until we die and rise with him in a truly surrendered life, we haven’t really seen Jesus. We’ve missed the glory.

Where do you go to see Jesus?

Legos
(John 12: 20 - 33)

This morning my son came into my room, upset because something he had built had broken.

That little boy used to be me – trying so hard to hold on, grab on, cling on to moments – trying so hard to stay a child forever, to not have to ever change.

“It’s OK,” my wife said to him, “you can fix it. You can rebuild it.” “No!” he cried, “it was hard work.” It was hard work.

And so it is ... we work so hard to figure out who we are, where we fit in – in this world, where we belong. We work so hard to figure out the rules – but they keep on changing – the world keeps on changing – we keep on changing no matter how hard we try to stay the same.

“Father, take this cup away from me ... but not my will, buy yours be done.”

Growing up was full of endings and beginnings, winters and springtimes, leaving home, going to university, finding work, getting married and having children. Children who continually take me right back to where I started. Children who continually remind me that I am not perfect, that I need help – that I need God.

“Father, into Your hands I commend my Spirit ...”

And everyday life is full of mini-struggles: mini-desert experiences, mini agonies in the garden, mini-crucifixions, mini deaths – deaths that are, oh so necessary to bring forth new life.

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

And ... how can I teach my children this? How can I help it be easier for them? Just when they begin to feel at home, we uproot them – send them to a new school. How can we help we help them feel safe and at the same time help them accept that change is inevitable – change is necessary.

“It’s OK,” I said, “you needed to put it away anyway.” “But it was hard work!” he said, crying now. “You need to take it apart so you can build new things,” my wife said.

It’s the taking apart that is so painful, so scary. And I am just now beginning to understand than I am not ever me at any given moment – rather, I am in the eternal: always changing. This is what is hard to teach: That life is change, change is growth, growth is love, love is God and God ... God is life.

“It was hard work,” he said, again and again, crying as we held him. That’s all we could do: help him feel safe, despite the little death that had just happened. “It was hard work,” I said. “Come, let’s build a new one.” And with that, a new life had begun.

Wellbeing

If you want to learn to ride a skateboard or get better at maths, you need to practise. It’s the same when you want to feel happier!

Here are some easy ideas to give Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy a try every day. Because the more you practise, the better you will feel.

Let's Practice!

Tap here to access SchoolTV

Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine (March 2024)

The March 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available. Featured Articles:

Inspire Inclusion, International Women’s Day 2024
Embracing Neurodiversity
Podcast – Sports Drinks

Also in this edition:

The Work/Workout Mash Up
Hearing Loss
Fitness Trends 2024
Growth Mindset
And more!

Reviving your parenting mojo, from Andrew Fuller

ANDREW FULLER
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Parenting can be a rollercoaster, and you may sometimes want to take a breather. Here, clinical psychologist and family therapist Andrew Fuller shares how parents can rediscover the joy by looking after themselves.

Parents are exhausted, the kids are bonkers, the dog, after an intensive fitness program, is feeling abandoned. Everyone is out of sorts. What is going on?

The past few years have discombobulated us and torn us away from our usual patterns of life. We work, socialise, and live very differently than we did before.

Having our lives pulled apart means we now need to recover and reassemble the parts that work for us. We also need to accept that the world has changed, and we need to readjust our priorities and reset our daily rhythms.

The past few years have left many of us feeling edgy, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Sadly, this has left some of us so numb and so swamped we are unable to enjoy the things that previously gave us great satisfaction such as spending time with our loved ones and family.

Regaining your mojo

We all deserve better. However, the frantic whirligig of life isn’t going to pause to give us the opportunity to recalibrate. If we want to regain our energy, our vitality, and our wellbeing we need to reclaim our balance and rhythm. We need to do this for ourselves, and we need to do this for our children.

There seems to be a split in what people want — some want concerts, sports, getting out and about, and socialising, while others want some serenity, privacy, and time alone.

I asked the team at Skodel to research the big challenges for us all. These are to:

regain restful sleep
refocus our concentration
reduce our anxiety
take charge of our online life
rebuild our friendships and social connections
increase our motivation.

Don’t wait to feel right to begin

Decide to create a life you can love. Love is a commitment that you decide upon. Choosing to create a life you love is a struggle that is worth fighting for. Summon whatever energy you have into a ferocity of intention to do this.

Parents & Friends Association

My child will be away on the day, can we still fundraise?
Yes please! All students are invited to create a student profile and help with the fundraising efforts,
every dollar counts. You can do this at funrun.com.au and Student Sign Up.

Do we have to get the prizes?
No. We have listened to the feedback from our last colour fun run and know that not all kids want
to get the prizes. You have a few options:
- You can choose not to login and order the prizes after the Colour Fun Run.
- You can choose to login and order the prizes and keep some and donate the others.
- You can choose to login and order the prizes and donate them to our “sack”, which we will
have in the foyer. We will partner with Little Vinnies or other local charities to donate those
toys to families in need.

EVENT SCHEDULE:
5:00-8pm Community Picnic - Stalls, Food Vendors, Live music and more.
6:15pm Spinning wheel
6:30pm Teacher run
6:45pm Foundation run (10 minutes)
7:00pm Years 1 & 2 run (10 minutes)
7:15pm Years 3 & 4 run (10 minutes)
7:30pm Years 5 & 6 run (10 minutes)
7:45pm Thank you and wrap up.

THE EVENT
What should we bring?
Bring your picnic rugs, or camp chairs, your whole family and enjoy a fun night mingling with other
school families. We will have a BBQ and Food Vendors as well as lots of other treats at our stalls,
but you are welcome to bring some dinner with you too. We will have soft drinks, juice boxes and water available for purchase but adults, you can bring along your own alcoholic drinks if you wish
to.

What do the students need to wear?
All the students will need to supply their own white t-shirt or clothing. Make it as fun as you want
with white tutus, white hats, white t-shirts with coloured shorts or skirts or silly costumes! Be as
creative as you like!
Suitable shoes that may get dirty.
 We do not take any responsibility for costs associated with the removal of colour.
 Please dress your child appropriately! Please ensure they are not in their new white
Nike kicks!

What do Colour Runners need to bring?
 A towel
 Drink bottle
 Sunglasses or goggles (optional)

How will the event run?
There will be one circuit with three colour stations and 6 obstacles spaced throughout. Each group
will get 10 minutes on the track and students can run, walk, skip, crawl or cartwheel if they wish!
As students move around the track, they’ll chat and laugh with friends and of course get ‘coloured’
as they go past each station.
What if a student decides not to be ‘coloured’ while on the course?
There will be bypass tracks for those who do not want to be coloured. Students can opt out of
colouring at any stage of the event by using these bypass tracks.

Is water supplied?
We encourage all Colour runners to bring a drink bottle with them to keep hydrated. All students
will have access to the bubble taps at school also.

Who is welcome to attend this event?
All parents, siblings and grandparents are welcome to attend and enjoy a lovely evening gathering
as a school community and cheering on the runners. Unfortunately, we only have enough colour
powder supply for our school students, so non-school students will not be able to take part in the
run.

THE COLOUR

How is the colour administered?
There will be colour stations along the course with their goal being to dispense colour powder. All
colour powder will be aimed between shoulder and hip level and be administered by school staff.

What is the colour made from? Does it stain?
The coloured powder we are using is made from 99% corn-starch and natural food grade dyes.
We’ve been told it doesn’t, but it’s best to wear clothes you don’t mind getting colourful and your
old runners. We do not take any responsibility for the costs associated with the removal of colour.

Do the “Colour Zones” affect runner’s vision? Or breathing?
The colour powder used at The Colour Run event is certified non-toxic and free of any heavy
material. Our bright colours are cornstarch and food grade dyes. As with any substance, you want
to keep it out of your eyes and our colour throwers will make sure to aim low as kids pass by.
Some Colour Runners opt to wear sunglasses or goggles for their eyes.

Help us raise funds for our Senior Playground

Thank you all in advance,

OLHC PFA

MAJOR FUNDRAISER

YELLOW PAGES DELIVERY 2024

The Yellow Pages delivery to the Warrnambool region has been our major fundraiser for several years now. It is a fundraiser that requires our families to donate their energy and a bit of time, but in return has raised between $5000 - $7000 of outside money each year.

We remain committed to this fundraiser while it is available to us or until we find a replacement with equal income potential.

When?
Anticipated delivery dates at this stage are between the 22nd March to 7th April (first week of school holidays).

What’s involved?
* We have 70+ rounds to be allocated.
* Each round size varies from 200-350 books.
* Each round is mapped and the correct number of books (as close as possible, considering new residences etc) are stacked in the hall ready for your collection.
* We ask that each round is to be collected prior to the start date (dates to be finalised). This then gives you a couple of weeks to complete the round (if you wish to take that long).
* Each premise in the round must have a book placed in its letterbox or at its door unless they have requested to ‘opt out’ of a delivery (these will be listed for you if you have any in your round)
* All leftover books are to be returned with the maps to the hall.

We can’t express enough how important it is to capitalise on fundraising opportunities that bring in outside dollars. But we need your help to make it successful and to do that, we need families to deliver a round.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE BELOW FORM ASAP SO WE CAN ENSURE ALL AREAS ARE COVERED